The workforce situation of the European wire drawing industry: a comparative article

Reading the news, or listening to television and radio programs, it is increasingly easy to come across reports that focus on the lack of skilled workers in the industry. It's an issue that may sound bizarre (usually you'd say unemployment is the real problem), but one that seems to leave no sector or country unchallenged: sometimes the alarm comes from the Head of the German Federal Employment Agency, sometimes from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, from the Minerals Council of Australia, or from the Northern Ireland's agriculture Minister. The reasons, however, are rather unclear. Some point the finger at the pandemic, others at government incentives (which would have a negative effect, deterring job search), others speak of a well-defined trend in recent years; and so on and so forth.

A survey with our customers has shown that the problem is well known in the wire drawing industry as well. In particular, many told us that it is really difficult to convince young people to start an education to become a professional wire drawer.

Against this backdrop, we decided to gather some opinions to write a comprehensive article analyzing the situation in the various countries.

Markus Giese, Drahtwerk Wagener GmbH & Co. KG CEO - Germany
"The unemployment rate in Germany is between 5,5 and 6%. On the one hand, there is a certain number of people who are long-term unemployed, and it seems very difficult to find these people a regular occupation. On the other hand, Germany is still known for its excellent education system. After school, young people can decide whether to go to university or to start an education in administration, industry, trade, or craft to become a skilled and professional employee. Nowadays, young people prefer to study instead of becoming a skilled worker, ignoring that there are good opportunities as far as attractive jobs and reasonable salaries are concerned. To be competitive in the steel world, we rely on skilled workers and professionals who are well-versed in wire drawing. That is why we offer a two-year-long education program. However, it has been more and more difficult to find young students, because later on they may have to work in three shifts and this job may not be as appealing as some others. Therefore, we use any chance to promote this program, i.e on our website, in cooperation with our local employment agency, offering internships, and taking part in training fairs. Moreover, we developed a training program together with netzwerkdraht e.V that makes it possible for career changers to join this business. We also ask our workers to recommend our company to their friends and families. In general, it has to be clear that the welfare of Germany is based on a strong industry. Despite all discussions about climate change, new mobility, and so on, we have to make sure that this base is kept alive. Of course, the industry will have to adapt and change to achieve climate neutrality. Thus, we need well-educated professionals who understand that there is a future for them in the 'industry' and who are ready to become a part of this exciting world."

Pedro Campillo, Export Area Manager at Gabarró S.A. - Spain:
"We have production plants both in Spain and Germany. While in the former we still manage to get by, in the latter we have a lot of difficulties in finding qualified workforce. At the moment, we are trying to work around the problem by 'importing' workers from other European countries.
On the other hand, in Spain, we have implemented a continuous program to identify future workers once they complete their education; we give them proper training, and we secure them with good conditions. In general, I think we should set up a plan of action to promote labor throughout entire Europe, not limited to our own countries. There is also a lot of work to do on the educational side, the programs that people select usually do not offer real opportunities to find a job."

Alexander Phillipp, CEO at Joh. Pengg AG - Austria
"Since many industries recovered well from the Covid crisis, there is a strong competition for skilled workers at our production plants in Austria and the Czech Republic.
We offer a good overall package, an excellent working environment, and a great corporate culture. Our employees are recommending us to their friends. This helped to attract enough people up to date. As technical jobs are becoming less attractive for young people, it is important to promote the opportunities and chances we offer as an industry."

Renato Mauri, President of Trafileria A. Mauri Spa - Italy
"We are indeed experiencing a lack of skilled workers. However, this year we have hired 11 new employees who are now in training. We offer dedicated programs to develop the unique abilities that the steel world requires, and we are sure that the results will come in the immediate future, both in terms of personal growth and in terms of internal revenue."

Alberto Bottaro - CEO of Bottaro Mario Srl - Italy
"The lack of qualified workers in our area is a real problem, which certainly makes business development a longer and more complicated process. For the search of new potential workers we rely on the search channels commonly known by every company, but we have also been working - for several years now - on creating an internal training school to broaden the candidates’ skillset as well as to stir interest and passion toward the assigned tasks.
I believe the Citizenship Guaranteed Minimum Income (TN. a controversial income support measure provided by the Italian Government to combat unemployment) has played a huge part in aggravating this critical issue in our country. I think the optimal way to address it would be to create a simpler and more direct relationship between companies and professional schools, so as to obtain more suitable profiles once schooling is over."

Do you agree with these opinions? Are you experiencing the same problems in your area? What do you think are the causes, and what might be the solutions?
Let us know by email at [email protected]: some comments may be included in the article!